Population parameters and growth of Riptortus pedestris (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Alydidae) under elevated CO2 concentrations

Abstract

AbstractWe evaluated the direct effects of three different CO2 concentrations (400, 600 and 1,000 ppm) on the population parameters and growth of the bean bug, Riptortus pedestris, while being fed on soybean. The raw life history data from R. pedestris was analyzed using an age‐stage, two‐sex life table to take the viable development rate among individuals into account. Based on the age‐stage, two‐sex life table analysis, the population projections of R. pedestris provide the stage structure and variability of the population growth under different CO2 treatments. Our results showed significantly shorter immature durations and higher pre‐adult survival rate under elevated CO2 (1,000 ppm) than those under ambient CO2 (400 ppm). The population of R. pedestris reared under elevated CO2 conditions showed higher intrinsic and finite rates of increase but a lower mean generation time than R. pedestris reared under ambient CO2 conditions. Our results show the population parameters and growth of R. pedestris are influenced by increased CO2 relative to ambient CO2 treatment. Further studies on the long‐term direct effects of different CO2 levels on R. pedestris are essential to understand their population dynamics and to establish appropriate management strategies.